Stay-on device for carrying laptop or notebook

ABSTRACT

A device for carrying any “object” that opens on a hinge, such as a laptop computer, notebook, binder, folder, tablet with attached keyboard. The “object” being carried will hereafter be referred to as “laptop” for summary. The carrying device is secured onto the laptop using sticky pads and has flaps that wrap around the laptop to hold it securely in place. The device has ring loops on one edge that allow a strap to be attached, such that the combined laptop device can be slung over the shoulder or other body part. The device can be adjusted to fit different size laptops by adjusting the amount of overlap between the pieces that make up the device body. Additional features of the device include (an) accessory pocket(s), built-in mouse pad, built-in palm rest, built-in handle, size-adjustable shoulder strap, different closure types where the pieces of the device body meet.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/758,788, entitled “Stay-On Device for Carrying Laptop,” filed Nov. 12, 2018, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention generally relates to a carrier of a laptop, or other hinged object. More particularly, the invention relates to a carrier that stays on the laptop while still allowing the laptop to open.

BACKGROUND

In many industries and societies, there is a need to use laptops constantly throughout the day for both work and personal use. This means that instead of using a laptop for one long session in a day, a user may be breaking that session up to a multitude of short sessions. As a result, there is need to be able to access laptops quickly and conveniently while on the move—commuting on public transportation, improvised seating while on a corporate or college campus, moving between conference rooms for meetings. Current designs for transporting laptops, such as backpacks, messenger bags, or sleeves require the laptop to be enclosed within. To access the laptop, a user would need to load the laptop into the bag, carry to a new place, unload it to access it. The repetition of this process multiple times in a day is cumbersome and also risks the user losing the bag once it is separated. An example of this would be forgetting it in a conference room at work and returning to the room after it is has been occupied by a different meeting group. Such a multi-step process is not ideal for a laptop user on the go.

It is in this context that embodiments arise.

SUMMARY

One objective of this invention is to provide a carrying case that allows a user to open and close their laptop without removing it from the case. Being a stay-on device, there is no risk of a user losing the separated case, bag, or sleeve. The ability to carry it over the shoulder using the strap frees up hands such that users can use other necessities such as phones, coffee mugs, keys, etc.

Another objective to provide multiple ways of carrying the laptop all while still providing the convenience of being a stay-on device as described above. This provides options to the user such that they can use the over-the-shoulder strap but still have the option to carry their laptop using the briefcase handle, or the portfolio handle.

Another objective is to provide the convenience of the above in conjunction with carrying basic necessities without adding bulk to their laptop. The slim accessory pocket allows for such small items, such as phone, pens, notepad, ID cards, earphones. Since the pocket is an intrinsic part of the carrier body, it also does not separate from the laptop.

In order to act as a carrying device without risk of the laptop slipping out, this invention has secure closures on all 6 sides of the laptop. The carrying case will stay centered onto the laptop using adhesive pads on the top and bottom of the laptop, however the left/right sides will have straps that prevent it from slipping out sideways. There is also a bottom flap that secures it on the front where the laptop normally opens and faces the user. This bottom flap keeps the laptop closed, and the structure is such that the flap comes from the bottom of the laptop, folds over the front, and attaches securely to the top flap. The structure of the carrying device when it is in this closed position is such that it completely wraps around the laptop, preventing the laptop from opening at all.

Carrying the laptop is made possible by several different means. In one embodiment a removable strap is provided, which attaches to the carrier by hooking into the ring loops along one edge of the carrier. This strap length can be adjustable or fixed, so long as it has hooks that attach to the carrier. In another embodiment, built-in short handles are provided that allow the laptop to be carried like a briefcase. These may be non-removable. In another embodiment, a portfolio style carrying band is provided. According to this embodiment, the built-in band sits flat on the top or bottom sides of the laptop and allows a user to slip his or her hand under the band. Additionally, the user can wrap their hand around the bottom edge of the laptop and carry it against the body, according to this embodiment.

In other embodiments, the carrying device may provide for additional features. For example, the carrying device may include an accessories pocket on the top side of the carrier, a flap that folds out to be used as a mousepad, and a comfortable palm rest built into the bottom flap such that when it is open for the laptop to be in use, the exposed side would support a user's palms while the laptop is in use.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the carrying device according to an embodiment of the invention showing a laptop computer with the carrying device attached, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the interior facing side of the shape of the carrying device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the elongated strip securely wrapped around the laptop computer with the free end of the side strips not yet secured to the elongated strip, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior facing side of the carrying device disposed with adhesives or other sticky material, used to adhere the carrying device to the laptop, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior facing side of the carrying device with the placement of the adhesives or other sticky material, in relation to the the permeable sections, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the carrying device, showing adjustability of the elongated strip, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the carrying device, showing adjustability of the side strips, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carrying device having a pocket member, disposed on the exterior facing side of the device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the carrying device with an alternate placement of the handle member, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the carrying device having an adjustable strap of differing length, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carrying device having accessory attachment loops, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11a is a close up perspective view of an adjustable shoulder carrying strap having an intermediate clasp, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11b is a perspective view of the carrying device utilizing the intermediate clasp of the adjustable shoulder carrying strap, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the carrying device showing the adjustable carrying strap neatly stowed away, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13a is a perspective view of the carrying device showing a user utilizing an adjustable handle member while holding a laptop in the palm of a single hand.

FIG. 13b is a perspective view of the carrying device showing an adjustable handle member that is able to moved into different positions along a track, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a carrying device for a notebook or laptop computer which makes it easy and convenient to transport or carry without the need for a case or larger bag. The details of certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the following description and FIGS. 1-13 to provide a detailed understanding of such embodiments. The first embodiment of the invention is a device for a preselected object, that being a laptop computer. However, while the detailed description will refer primarily to a laptop computer the invention is contemplated to be used with other objects such as a binder, or notepad, or other electronic display device. The present invention may be used without one or more of the details described for a particular embodiment or may have a detail described for one embodiment practiced with another detail from another embodiment. The following examples should not be used to limit the scope, applicability, and configuration of the invention.

This invention provides convenience in its usage because, while it is secured to the laptop computer, it does not prevent the lid of the laptop computer from being opened and used normally. The carrying device is comprised of three main components, an elongated strip 1 side strips 2 and a handle member 3. The elongated strip 1 is shown to wrap or encircle the laptop computer so that it can be carried. In the present embodiment, the elongated strip 1 is a single layer, non-woven textile, and rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the elongated strip 1 may be of different material, such as woven or knitted textiles, leather, or plastic, for example, have a different shape, and be constructed of multiple layers of differing materials. The surface of the preselected material may be soft to the touch, so as to not mar the surface of the laptop, and be suitable as a comfortable palm rest for the user when they are using the computer. In another embodiment, the preselected materials of the elongated strip 1 may have intrinsic water repellent properties. Disposed and attached along the length of the elongated strip 1 are permeable sections 6 which allow for dissipation from heat that is generated and given off by the laptop computer. The permeable sections 6 can be of any permeable, breathable textile, such as mesh or netting. One end of the elongated strip 1 is secured to a second end of the elongated strip 1 by means of hook and loop attachments, button snaps, magnets, buckles, or hooks. In the present embodiment, the first and second ends are secured by a buckle 23.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a handle member 3 which has a predetermined length, is attached to the elongated strip 1. Handle member 3 can be of the same material as the elongated strip 1 or a different material such as rubber, nylon, or fabric, for example. The handle member 3 in the present embodiment is long enough so as to allow a human hand to pass between it and the elongated strip 1. The placement of the handle 3 is superimposed over one of the permeable sections 6 so that the laptop computer can be carried in a manner similar to that of a briefcase. In other embodiments, the location of the handle member 3 may be placed between a pocket member 8 and the permeable section 6 which connects the middle section 10 and the long section 11 of the elongated strip 1. As shown in FIG. 8, this allows the user to place their fingers through handle member 3 while also allowing them to wrap their fingers around the laptop computer, much like how a paper notebook is held.

In a working environment such as an office, many laptop users will temporarily operate their laptops while walking or standing. In these circumstances, the user holds the laptop in the palm of one of their hands while the other hand operates the keyboard and mouse trackpad. In alternate embodiments, the handle member 3 can be fabricated as part of the present invention to serve as an adjustable bracing member that offers support to the users hand when holding the laptop as previously described. Referring to FIG. 13a , while the hand of the user is supporting the laptop, handle member 3 is straddled across the back of the hand. This is similar to the drawing in FIG. 8, however, the difference being that handle member 3 is oriented underneath the device. In order to serve either condition as portrayed by FIGS. 8 and 13 a, handle member 3 is constructed to assume different positions along a track 25. As shown in FIG. 13b there are two tracks 25 that are about ¾ to 1.5 inches wide and can be up to fifty percent of the length of the longest dimension of elongated strip 1. Tracks 25 are secured to elongated strip 1 and are oriented parallel to each other and elongated strip 1 in the longitudinal direction. The distance between the tracks 25 is equal to the longitudinal length of handle member 3. Each end of handle member 3 secures to each track 25 by attaching to itself. This allows handle member 3 to be adjusted to different positions along the length of the tracks 25, as desired by the user.

Side strips 2 are shown to be secured to the elongated strip. Each of side strips 2 has two ends. One end is free and the other is secured to the elongated strip 1 as shown in FIG. 2a . The side strips 2 have a predetermined length and a predetermined width. The purpose of these side strips 2 is to act as a secondary means of securing the preselected item, or laptop computer that is being carried, from falling out of the elongated strip 1. FIG. 2b shows a laptop computer that is situated inside the carrying device, held in place by way of the attachment of both ends of the elongated strip 1. The free ends of the side strips 2 are to be wrapped around the laptop in the orthogonal direction to that of the elongated strip 1. The free ends of the side strips 2 will continue to attach to the elongated strip 1 by means of hook and loop attachments, button snaps, magnets, buckles, or hooks. The present embodiment contains hook and loop (Velcro) 24 surfaces secured to the free end of the side strips 2. The material and construction of the side strips 2 can be the same as the elongated strip 1 or constitute a different construction or combination of materials. The end result of wrapping the side strips 2 around the laptop and attaching to the elongated strip 1 will be that which is shown in FIG. 1.

When installing or wrapping the carrying device around the laptop computer, it is noted that the center of the device along the latitudinal axis, of the elongated strip 1 also be aligned with the center of the laptop along the latitudinal axis. The alignment configuration will ensure that both free ends of the side strips 2 protrude equally from underneath the laptop and have sufficient length to fully wrap around the laptop and secure themselves to the elongated strip 1. Adhesive strips 4 can be used to prevent the elongated strip from misaligning in reference to the laptop. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, adhesive strips 4 having a predetermined length, width, and thickness, are disposed latitudinally along the interior facing side 5 of the elongated strip 1. In the present embodiment, the adhesive strips 4 have adhesive properties on both sides, allowing it to attach itself to both the interior facing side 5 and the exterior side of the laptop computer. Adhesive strips 4 may also be oriented longitudinally, and can be of sticky gel material or doubled-sided suction cup, or sticky tape, for example, so long as it does not mar the exterior surface of the laptop.

A pocket member 8 that can hold various objects is shown to be on the exterior facing side 7 of the elongated strip 1. For example, the pocket member is envisioned to be capable of holding writing instruments, a mobile phone, wallet, keys, or notepad. The pocket member 8 has an opening 9 which can be closed and secured by means of hook and loop attachments, magnets, Velcro, or zipper. By securing the opening, the preselected items inside are prevented from falling out. The material and construction of the pocket member 8 can be the same as the elongated strip 1 or may be of differing materials and construction for aesthetic purposes.

In further embodiments, additional features of the carrying device allow it to accommodate several different laptop computer sizes. For example, the length of the elongated strip 1 will be able to be appropriately adjusted to account for different dimensions of laptop computers produced by different manufacturers. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the overall bounding dimensions of elongated strip 1 can be divided into designated areas formed by the permeable sections 6. In the present embodiment, the elongated strip 1 there are three designated sections; a short section 9, a middle section 10, and a long section 11. Regulator straps 12 connect the middle section and the long sections. Regulator straps 12 may be fabricated of any suitable flexible, semi-rigid material, such as plastic or rubber for example. Regulator straps 12 are of predetermined width and predetermined length, and are oriented in the longitudinal direction. Under certain embodiments, regulator straps 12 may be of different material, such as Velcro, button snaps, or magnets. Regulator straps 12 are each provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes 13 which correspond to and mate with projecting size tabs 14 which are part of regulator strap mate connectors 15 which are secured to the middle section 10 and long section 11 of the elongated strip 1. By way of example, the spaced holes 13 and projecting size tabs 14 may be spaced approximately ¼″ apart, center to center, for example.

In FIG. 5 and other preferred embodiments, there is one pair of regulator straps 12 and therefore, one pair of regulator strap mate connectors 15. The projecting size tabs 14 and regulator strap mate connectors 15 are one homogenous material, and thus fabricated of any suitable flexible, semi-rigid material, such as plastic for example. Under certain embodiments, regulator strap mate connectors 15 may be of different material, such as Velcro, button snaps, or magnets. The assembly of the regulator straps 14 and regulator strap mate connectors 15 is to be disposed against the interior facing side 5 of the elongated strip 1. In preferred embodiments, there is an interior lining 16 that will cover the regulator strap mate connectors 15 regulator straps 12 and adhere to the elongated strip 1 by means of hook and loop attachments, button snaps, or magnets, for example.

In a similar manner to the elongated strip 1 the side strips 2 also have the ability to be adjusted. A secured means of attachment, such as hook and loop attachments, button snaps, or magnets, are shown along the horizontal axis of the interior facing side 5 of the elongated strip 1 in FIG. 6. The secured means of attachment mate with a corresponding means of attachment, secured to a second end of each of the side strips 2. The hook and loop attachments of the middle section 10 and second ends of the side strips 2 are aligned latitudinally, parallel to the orientation of the side strips 2. An interior lining 16 is superimposed and stitched to the middle section 10. It is important to note that the stitching of interior lining 16 terminates at the placement of the side strips 2 leaving an access flap 18. This allows the user to adjust the side strips 2.

As mentioned before, the carrying device provides a handle member 3 according to one embodiment. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 9, handle member 3 may be a different member altogether, such as an adjustable carrying strap 19, for use by the shoulders of a user when engaged with the carrying device. The carrying strap 19 has a first and second end, having a clasp 20 for attaching and detaching from the carrying device as needed. As seen in FIG. 10, first and second loops 21 are secured by means of stitching, to a permeable section 6 of the carrying device. Loops 21 may be of a rigid material such as metal, wood, or plastic, and have a predetermined size, and predetermined thickness. The predetermined shape of the loops 21 may be circular, rectilinear, or a combination of the two. The distance between the loops is contemplated to be between around about 2 to about 16 inches, or between about 6 to about 10 inches, or between about 6 inches and about 8 inches, depending upon the needs of various embodiments, although other distances may also be used. In some embodiments, the distance will be large enough to accommodate a user's hands.

When the first and second ends of the carrying strap 19 are attached to corresponding first and second loops 21 the user is able to carry their laptop computer over the shoulder. In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b , the carrying strap 19 is provided with an additional, intermediate clasp 22 that when it and a first end of the carrying strap 19 are attached to the first and second loops 21, will serve a second function as a shortened hand strap, thereby excluding the functionality of the shoulder strap. It is noted that the distance between the intermediate clasp 22 and a first end of the carrying strap 19 be between one and two inches larger than the distance between the loops 21. With a first end of the carrying strap 19 and the intermediate clasp 22 are engaged with the carrying device, the second loose end of the carrying strap 19 can be folded neatly and secured to the carrying strap 19 by strap clips 23 as shown in FIG. 12. This prevents the second free end of the carrying strap 19 from hanging loosely. In other embodiments, while a first end and intermediate clasp 22 are attached to the loops 21 the second, free end of carrying strap 19 may detach from itself at the location of the intermediate clasp 22 so it does not interfere with normal operation of the carrying device.

It is within the scope of the invention that this carrying device for a notebook or laptop computer can be provided in a variety of colors, styles, materials, and designs, to achieve different aesthetics. It is also apparent that the carrying strap 19 may be offered in varying preselected lengths, such that the user may attach one to be used as a hand strap or another as a shoulder strap, depending on their preferred need. As noted before, this invention may carry preselected objects such as books, or binders; however, the prime intent is a means for carrying a laptop computer. The carrying device is easy and convenient to use because while it is attached to the laptop at all times, it is still thin enough to fit into a bigger bag for additional protection. The carrying device allows the user to quickly go from carrying their laptop to setting it on a working surface, and start using their laptop. When finished, the user folds down their laptop screen, and fastens the ends of the elongated strip 1 and the side strips 2 and they are ready to go. This functionality is especially convenient when quick access is needed during situations which are transient in nature, such as attending back to back meetings in an office, or traversing to different classrooms in a school environment.

Although a preferred and alternate embodiments have been described and disclosed, it is understood that other adaptations or modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for holding a computing device, the system comprising: a rectangular base configured to be attached to a bottom side of the computing device; a first and second flap attached to a first side and second side of the rectangular base, respectively, the first side opposes the second side; a first section attached to a third side of the rectangular base configured to be adjacent to a back side of the computing device; a second section attached to the first section configured to be adjacent to a top side of the computing device; wherein when the computing device is in a closed state and the first and second flaps attach to the second section. 